Early voting has begun in Coconino County, with mail-in ballots already being delivered to voters since October 9th. As residents prepare to mark their choices for various elected offices and proposals, important legislation for the lower classes is being enacted. Ballots to pay close attention to: Proposition 482. It’s not about new taxes or increasing current taxes. It’s a matter of spending limits.

The situation is as follows. Back in 2014, approximately 65 percent of Coconino voters gave the green light to the Road Maintenance Sales Tax (RMST) to fund road repair and upgrade projects. However, information indicates that if the county were to try to fund these efforts through RMST funds, it would exceed its spending cap. Coconino County Statement. Therefore, even though funds are available, projects cannot be started without workarounds that involve financial gymnastics.

The county’s interim solution was to draw down the $80 million loan while circumventing the spending limit, since this borrowed money would not count against the spending limit. However, this workaround is not without its drawbacks. General fund revenues, which typically cover all of a county’s essential services, are currently being funneled into interest and fee settlements, which is ideal given the county’s broader fiscal health and service delivery. It’s hard to call it a scenario.

A yes vote on Proposition 482 means voters approve a permanent increase in the county’s spending base by $7.7 million. If passed, it could help counties secure funding for critical infrastructure for up to 20 years without having to switch to alternative funding strategies every year. More information about Proposition 482 can be found on the county’s website. The county also accepts specific inquiries. [email protected].